Organic Gardening on the Suburban Lot :Organic Gardening on the Suburban Lot In Pewaukee WI


Who am I? :Who am I? I’m an ordinary homeowner Maintaining my property value is a requirement I work for a living I’m willing to commit time for a payoff down the way Converted yards in California, and Texas


Why Organic? :Why Organic? Safe environment for pets and children Stop downstream contamination Lower maintenance Cost Labor Time Hope to raise my property value


What is Natural/Organic? :What is Natural/Organic? No use of chemicals Pesticides/herbicides Fertilizer Natural/Organic Fertilizers Recycle organic waste on-site


How weird do you get? :How weird do you get? Degrees of dedication: native species, prairie native species with complimentary species Traditional species suited to WI


How weird do you get? :How weird do you get? Degrees of dedication: native species, prairie Native species with complimentary species Traditional species suited to WI


Goals for the class :Goals for the class ________________________________ ________________________________ ________________________________ ________________________________ ________________________________ ________________________________


Syllabus :Syllabus Classroom night: Lecture Pictures Discussion Site visit: Tour of yard Site visit: Hands-on demos – dress for yard work! Compost heap – feeding and care Worm composting – feeding and care Spray fertilizer – make and use Worm harvest – bring container for worms


Rules of the Road :Rules of the Road Questions anytime I can provide up to 3 sets of worms for anyone interested. Let me know on the second night if you are interested so I can explain what you need to prepare.


Typical transition program :Typical transition program 3-4 years for transition Beds will transition in one step Lawn will transition in multiple steps condition of current soil condition of existing lawn grass Got worms?


How much work is this? :How much work is this? Year 1: The Killer Year Most folks give up the first year Don’t get discouraged. Get an e-mail buddy to talk to when you are tempted to use a chemical blitzkrieg. It is all downhill after the first year!


How much work is this? :How much work is this? Year 1: The Killer Year Daily weed pulling 2 buckets each day Priortize what weeds will be taken Enjoy learning the cycle for weeds and how each contributes to the ecology of your site


How much work is this? :How much work is this? Year 1: The Killer Year Lawn mowing at 3.5 to 4” Every 5 days be religious for quickest results


How much work is this? :How much work is this? Year 1: The Killer Year Establish a compost heap Set up Worm Farm


How much work is this? :How much work is this? Year 1: The Killer Year Weekly fertilizer spraying Monitor water with rain gauge Water when less than 1” in 7 days New plantings/new lawn need more frequent watering